Life is a rollercoaster full of ups and downs, and it is human nature for us to seek someone to share those experiences with. Having a partner is a wonderful thing, but sometimes it isn’t all fun and games and you might hit challenges and bumps in the road. Sometimes, you might even question if you no longer love each other. Fret not! This is all a natural part of the relationship. It requires work, and most importantly, communication to keep it going strong.

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The real secret is finding that balance, which requires taking the time to look for it. You want to communicate your needs to your partner and stand firm in them, because if you give too much you will feel unfulfilled and unsatisfied. On the other hand, it is just as critical to listen to your partner’s needs and see how to accommodate them. Once both sides have expressed their thoughts and feelings on a situation in as clear a manner as possible, you can more easily find a compromise that will make you both happy. And sometimes, you might even start a discussion thinking your perspectives are completely different but after talking discover you both wanted the same thing the whole time. You were only communicating those needs differently.

Look at your relationship like it is a tree. It won’t start off with deep roots or as tall and strong as older trees (relationships). It will begin as a small sapling, and the more you and your partner tend to it, work together to water it and trim the branches where needed, it will grow stronger and stronger over time and you will feel closer for every milestone you reach. Don’t be quick to give up. Look at how far you’ve come already, and enjoy the journey ahead.